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MRS. JOSEPHINE BYRNE SULLIVAN-CONLON 
Late Editor of "Michigan Catholic," Detroit 



Decorated by His Holiness Benedict XV 

with insignia of 

*'Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" 



Died May 28, 1920 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

BY 
Kathleen A. Sullivan 



COPYRIGHT 

DIEDEBICH-SCHAEFFR CO. 

MILWAUKEE, WIS. 



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©CLA611927 



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To the Memory 

of 

My Dear Sister 

Mrs. Josephine Byrne SuUivan-Conlon 



Just thoughts for those dear years youVe spent 
Upon the Long Highway ; 
Just humble thoughts with sorrow blent, 
As sun and shadows play: 

Each thought a rose of love for you, ^ 

Rich red as rose of June 
Mist-petaled with the morning dew 
When Night meets Day in tune. 

O rare great soul ! List to my call ! 
Bend low to me today ! 
Accept my gifts ; I'd give my ALL 
For you, on Time's Highway. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 11 



J 



une 



June, glorious month of life and love, 
Of roses dipped in morning dew ; 

June, richest jewel of the year, 

My soul is filled with thoughts of you. 

June, laden with a rare perfume, 

On zephyrs borne, and wafted far; 

June, bright with rays of golden sun 
Or gleams of Even's lucid star. 

June, rippling with the limpid laugh 
Of sparkling streams cavorting o'er 

The fields of green, expanding far, 
Displaying riches more and more. 

June, beating heart of all the year, 
Pulsating true with life and love; 

June, shedding happiness on earth. 
And ecstasy in world above. 

I love you, June, yes for yourself. 
For all the lavish joys you give, 

For fragrance, roses, bubbling streams — 
ril love you long as I shall live. 



12 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



You bring to mind one whom we named 
In childhood's fancy, after you — 

One who had cheeks of roses red 
And eyes of June's grey-azure hue. 



We named her June, so full of life, 
So warm her heart for human kind ; 

We did not know her richness till 
It faded, leaving dark behind. 



The glory of her soul was like 

The sun of June enriching earth; 

Her nature warm, and broad and free 
Of kindly thought ne'er knew a dearth. 



In lovely June when roses bloomed 
With all their rich alluring red. 

We plucked the rarest ones for her. 
And placed them on her lowly bed. 



The sweet embodiment of June! 

Too full of life to hide away 
She seemed — not wan nor lone nor sad, 

But glorious as a bright June day ! 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 13 

Farewell, sweet month of love and joy ! 

A month of memory for me — 
Amid your blooms we laid our June 

To sleep beneath the tall green tree, 

That shades the spot where lies our ALL, 
The ones we love the dearest, best ; 

O wondrous June! Great soul on earth! 
God grant you now sweet peace and rest ! 



14 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Her Mission 



"She answered the laughter of life with a smile," 
So sang a great poet. "Walked many a mile," 

To lighten the burdens of weary and worn, 

To cheer the sad hearts of the weak and forlorn. 



**She carried the sunshine of kindness and mirth," 
Again sang the poet, *'to corners of earth." 

She spread her bright rays o'er dark corners of woe, 
For hers was the mission, good cheer to bestow. 

"Her days have been gentle," ah yes, for in deed 

And thought, she e'er spent them, for many in need. 

"Her faith has been strong," for she trusted that right 
Would surely prevail over wrong's cruel might. 

Throughout passing days e'en 'mid sorrow and care 
She gave aid to others by word, act, or prayer. 

And so runs the poet the bright strain along — 

"Her speech has been sweet with the lilt of a song." 

"She hasn't been one that has hungered for fame." 
Humanity's justice emblazons her name. 

"For goals," of "the selfish," she never has sought, 
Her faith and devotion no baubles have bought. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 15 

The path of "the Glory that many pursue," 

She left for the one of "the good she could do," 

For there lay the weary and worn, needing strength, 
And there in their service her life was well spent. 

Thus on passed her days full of richness and truth, 
All buoyant and warm with the ardor of youth ; 

To souls giving cheer in the service of love. 

And lifting feint hearts to high hopes far Above. 

The world gave her praise as she lay still in sleep, 
It may be she heard, for in sweet slumber deep, 

A smile lit her face, full of pity and love^ — 
"Her fame by the Angels is written above." 



16 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Long Highway 

A long, long road leads out from the low silvery mists 
of Dawn, 

It stretches to the purple glooms of far Eternity ; 

Some places rough and pebble-filled; sometimes it 
wanders on 

All shaded from the glare of scorching rays that 
chance to be. 



Where it begins in azure skies, of distant golden morn, 

'Tis crowded with the snow-white souls of infants, 
seeking life, 

They float into the open space, the myriads newly 
born; 

All blind with Heaven's joy, they see no earthly care 
nor strife. 



Adown the road they come, and soon the tiny feet gain 
strength. 

The forms take courage, and push forth upon the 
broad Highway. 

They fear no future for 'tis lost in that mysterious 
length 

Of distance, that's enshrouded from their new all- 
glorious Day. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 17 



Yet see the toddlers fall upon the pathway scarce 
begun ; 

The little forms just started that grew weary, worn 
and sore. 

The stronger push more boldly on, yet ere their race 
is run. 

They too will feel the stones their tired feet must 
travel o'er. 



But One stepped on the long Highway, in Time's all- 
rosy morn. 

With eager feet and wistful eye, impatient Life to 
know; 

Plucked flowers of joy and scattered them to creatures 
more forlorn. 

Smiled when the pebbles bruised her feet, or storms 
of strife did blow. 



O soul of golden sunshine blent with mists of pity's 
dew! 

O wondrous mortal ! You scarce passed the middle of 
the Way, 

When low you sank exhausted and God reached His 
arms for you, 

And bore you forth to rest in peace in His Celestial 
Day. 



18 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Great Sorrow 

Life holds pain and trouble, 

Sorrows, not a few, 
But Life's greatest sorrow 

Dear, is loss of you ; 
Others bruised our spirits — 

Father, brothers too — 
Yet in all our anguish 

We had you, Dear, you : 

Comforter of Mother, 

Always ever near 
When you most were needed, 

With your vision clear ; 
How we leaned upon you, 

Pilot strong to steer 
Barks through sorrows' billows! 

How we miss you, Dear! 

You were ready ever 

To reUeve our care; 
Near your joyous nature 

Worry would not dare 
To abide in shadows, 

You with courage rare — 
Bringing light from darkness — 

Soul so wondrous fair! 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 19 

It were well, our dear one, 

That you did not know 
When the Angel beckoned 

You from earth to go; 
Your dear heart so tender 

Would have murmured low, 
**Let me stay for Mother. 

God Thy mercy show ! 

She has had much sorrow, 

She is needing me. 
I cannot be happy 

If her lot must be, 
To bend low in anguish 

'Neath that lonely tree 
In God's Acre, counting 

A new grave for me." 

Heart so great and tender, 

Rich with wondrous love. 
May you rest in mercy ! 

May the Spotless Dove 
Give you peace of Eden — 

May you live Above, 
Knowing not our anguish — 

Live in bliss and love ! 



20 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Voyage 



A boat stood waiting near the shore, 
A lonely boat with oarsman grave, 

Impatient waited to sail o'er 

The deep mysterious placid wave. 

A form tripped blithely down the way. 
All radiant with joy and health. 

'Twas just at closing of the day 

Ere night hid earth's abundant wealth. 

The angels had not hung the stars 
Across the sky, illumined bright 

By shooting rays through sunset bars 
In varied hues of sparkling light. 

God chose the scene and chose the time ; 

He chose the bark with wondrous care. 
The soft air knelled with vesper chime 

Rang from on High by Angels fair. 

The lovely form cast back one smile 
To earth, to friends so true and fond, 

Then stepped into the boat, the while 
She wistful sought the Port Beyond. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 21 



O Oarsman grave, bear her I pray, 

At God's command, the waters o'er; 

Oars dipped for His Eternal Day — 
O land her safely on His Shore! 



22 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



^'Pxo Ecclesia et Pontifice" 

Medal Conferred by His Holiness 
Benedict XV 



"For Pontiff and for Church," 
Inscribed the gift of gold, 
The priceless medal which the Pope 
Approvingly bestowed 
Upon you, for your loyal work 
To further Truth and Right — 
Your service in the noble cause 
f *fc To raise Faith's Beacon Light. 

Above all other gifts 

Of value, did you love. 

This emblem of fidelity — 

Passport to Heaven above. 

It was not for the gold it held, 

Nor yet because of fame 

It brought to you — on Honor's roll 

Inscribing bright your name ; 

But proof unto yourself 
Of Christ's "Well done !" to you. 
His vicar by this medal praised 
. Your service great and true. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 23 

Our Lord, the Master was well pleased, 
And worthy of the hire 
The laborer; hence the reward — 
Love's consecrated fire. 

So strange that not until 

I'his world was lost to view, 

And tones of Angels, welcoming, 

Drowned mortals' sad adieu, 

Was that great gift pinned rev'rently 

Above your heart, in love. 

Its words, the countersign to pass 

You to the realms above ! 



24 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

Take a Neighbor's Hand 

Would you leave a ray of sun upon a darkened earth ? 

Cast a gleam of gladness into lives that have a dearth ? 

Speak then to a saddened soul some little word of 
cheer ; 

Point a way for feet to tread, and make a pathway 
clear. 

Take a neighbor's hand. 



Lift a heart that's sinking 'neath a weight of care and 
woe; 

Help a wayward life to rise above conditions low ; 

Feed a hungry child today, give strength to tired feet ; 

Help the weaker ones of earth to conquer grim defeat. 

Take a neighbor's hand. 



Purify an unjust world from greed's all-selfish curse; 

Hold belief in human kind for Man is never worse 

Than his best ideals, for the soul is purified 

By the faith in Him who for man's sake has bled and 
died. 

Take a neighbor's hand. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 25 

One I knew who sought to cheer the darkened souls 

of earth; 
Scattered gleams of gladness into lives that felt a 

dearth ; 
Helped the poor and comfortless and led feet long 

astray ; 
Gave sad eyes a vision of a newer, brighter day. 
Took her neighbor's hand. 

Helped the orphaned and the sick and cheered the poor 

and lone; 
Helped the wayward find the path and contritely 

atone ; 
Lived a life of thoughtfulness for all of humankind. 
Even with her last farewell left rays of cheer behind. 
Took her neighbor's hand. 

O great soul I see you now enthroned in Heaven's 

grace, 
Your old smile of helpfulness illumining your face ; 
Arms outstretched so yearningly to welcome us above, 
Eager for to clasp us close in all-protecting love. 
Grasping close the hand. 



26 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Two Kinds of Mortals 



Mortals are divided 
Into classes two; 

One is always striving 
Something- good to do 



Other is but trying 

To destroy the right; 

One works by high thinking 
One by rule of might. 



One is ever adding 

To the world some cheer 
Life is worth the living 

With such spirits near; 



Other is depressing 

With dread scowls of gloom 
Lives they spend in shadow — 

Darkness of the tomb. 

One is ever giving 

Both with hand and heart; 
Self is e'er forgotten 

As of life no part; 



THOUGH rs OF J (WE 27 



Other lives by taking 

Making no return; 
Souls are cramped and sordid 

As for gain they yearn. 

One is nearer Heaven 

Giving Heaven here, 
Spreading rays of sunshine, 

Adding to earth's cheer ; 

Other? God forgives them 
For they do not know; 

Small in soul, their warped lives, 
Nothing can bestow. 

O the noble givers ! 

Life they know not long; 
Strength is spent for others 

Making right of wrong; 

From the heights of Heaven, 
They'll send down their love 

For to guide the weak ones 
To their Home Above. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Words of Cheer 



Whisper low a word of cheer as you pass along, 
'Twill but raise the chorus of Earth's not abundant 

song; 
Then support your little word with a helping hand ; 
Words are strongest when on deeds of true love they 

stand. 



Words of cheer soft spoken meant to lift another's 

woe, 
Multiply in echoes as through earth they go, 
Soon with sweet accordance they blend in a refrain 
Reaching earth to Heaven in seraphic strain. 

All the soft words spoken meant to cheer, and raise 
Drooping hearts from sorrow, make a chant of praise 
Greater than a choir of rarest gifts sublime 
Could send forth symphonic through cloisters dim of 
time. 

Hearts are aching daily for a word of cheer ; 
Lives in sordid loneness passing cold and drear; 
Years are fleeting quickly and the time is nigh 
For each living mortal to bid a last good-bye. 

Leave the world the better for your little life, 

Know you have helped some one conquer care and 

strife ; 
Whisper low a word of cheer as you pass along, 
'Twill but raise the chorus of Life's not abundant song. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 29 



The Dark Day 



So dark the day ! The rain is falling, falling, 
Throughout the dreary town there rests a gloom. 
The thunder rumbling rolls along the Heavens; 
The lightning flares through darkness deep of doom. 

So dark my soul! With grief the tears are falling. 
Upon my dreary life there rests a gloom. 
The echoes of despair come rumbling o'er me, 
Depression drags me down to depths of doom ; 

For on her grave today the rain is falling. 
And over all the world there rests a gloom. 
My soul is dark, my heart is sorrow-riven — 
She lies within the darkness of the tomb. 

Yet though throughout my life the rain is falling, 
And sadness overspreads me with its gloom, 
Through rumbles of despair like thunder rolling, 
The lighting lights the darkness of my doom. 

The lightning flares in Faith's unending flashes. 
Illumining dark sorrow's dreary gloom. 
And with it comes soft rumbling tones from Heaven. 
Faith brightens up the darkness of the tomb. 



30 THQl'GHTS OF JUNE 



Change 



The sky is not so blue a blue as in the yester-year, 
The flowers are not so beautiful, the bird songs not 

so sweet, 
The zephyrs are less soothing and the river runs less 

clear, 

And life is less a loveland — less a peaceful joy-retreat. 



For in the gladsome yester-year, I had you by my side, 
1 saw you and I heard your voice, and listened to your 

song. 
I knew the world was beautiful. I felt creation wide 

With all the vv^ondrous glories that to it doth well 
belong. 



I did not know in those bright days of all-confiding 

youth 
That most of earth's great vvonderment was just a part 

of you ; 
That should you leave, the world would change, the 

sun grow dark. In truth 
The universe would suddenly eclipse and Pleaven too. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 31 



But you are gone and I am here, and oh the woeful 
change ! 

The absence of all lovely things, the dreadful sense 
of pain, 

They tell me Nature is the same. It may be, but how 
strange ! 

I look for all its loveliness but sadly look in vain. 



The sky is not so blue a blue as in the yester-year. 

The flowers are not so beautiful, the bird songs not so 
sweet. 

The zephyrs are less soothing and the river runs less 
clear. 

All loveliness went with you when you sought your 
new retreat. 



32 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The Wonderful City 

I love the big bustling city, the bursting beautiful city, 

With its beating, beating, beating as of the throbs of 
the world's great heart ; 

I love its stir and its striving, its crow^ded and hurried 
hiving ; 

The city, the wonderful city, plays in life the most 
marvelous part. 

You loved the great growing city, the groaning, may- 
hap greedy city, 

With its weary, wakeful, worn ones, and its gnawing, 
needless noise. 

You loved its clang and its clamor, its heaving and 
heavy hammer. 

Its crowds of congested humans, its seething sorrows 
and joys. 

You worked for the wondrous city, the grasping and 
grinding city ; 

You gave the last of your lovely strength to it in its 
fierce desire, 

You strove for the sad or sinning, gave downcast a 
new beginning. 

Burned bridges of caste 'tween mortals by Love's sac- 
rificial fire. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 33 

And now in a mystical city, a martyr's most marvelous 

city, 
You live in a life immortal ; you work for the glory of 

God; 
And o'er you the angels are bending, their praises with 

saint-echoes blending. 
High Heaven is happy though earth hearts are 

scourged with great grief's heavy rod. 



34 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Lesson of Faith 

I hastened to your side 
That dreadful night; 

The Lord did safely guide 
My feet aright; 

He gave me strength to bear 

Dark sorrow's weight of care. 

My spirit crushed, arose 
In Faith's strong might. 

Beside your bier I stood 

I could not cry ; 
My soul asked o'er and o'er 

Why did you die? 
Faith lent its strength to me. 
God wished you to be free — 
Thus to my asking soul 

I did reply. 

I stood among the throng, 

In dumb despair; 
Beheld your lovely form, 

Divinely fair, 
And yet I murmured not, 
Nor consolation sought ; 
My all-consuming thought — 

You were not there. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 35 



I listened to the dirge 

On organ played ; 
I saw you borne from me. 

Still unafraid, 
I clasped the scourging rod — 
The sweet sad gift of God, 
And on your grave's green sod, 

I sank and prayed. 

O Father give to me 

A chastened heart, 
To kiss the cross, and bear 

With love, the smart. 
Teach me "Thy will be done" 
Ere yet my race is run, 
My life with Thee begun 

Ne'er more to part. 



36 TFIOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Choice Child 

Loved June, with lilting, lulling streams ; 

With rarest runes and murmurs mild ; 
I've ever loved your loveliness. 

I've thought you e'er the year's choice child. 

Loved June, with ferns and flowery fields 
Where mirth and merriment abound ; 

With waving waters welding through 

Great girths of green, with greeting sound. 

Loved June, with carefree carols filled ; 

With mild mysterious melody, 
With sighs and singing song notes blent 

With tones of deepest symphony. 

Loved June, with joyful jubilance; 

With gladdest echoes sounding wild ; 
Loved June, thou soul of minstrelsy, 

Great Nature's petted perfect child. 

Loved June, bedecked with hundred hues. 
All blending with thy rare rose red; 

The wealth of all Eternity 

Most lavishly on thee was shed. 

Loved June, my heart is full of thee. 

Thy sacred name I'll ever love, 
For O loved June, thy rarest rose. 

Of thy own name, now blooms x\bove. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 37 

The Dark Rose Feels the Loss 
of Thee 

The sad dark rose has dropped for years, 

For centuries 'neath tyranny, 
Yet ever did her heart beat high 

In hope that some day she'd be free ; 
Today a sword has pierced that heart, 

A sword as 'twere of Calvary — 
A daughter fair Hes cold and low — 

The Dark Rose feels the loss of thee. 



Full oft thy voice was raised for her 

In notes of Celtic melody ; 
Full oft thy hand reached out to help 

The dark rose, striving to be free; 
Full oft thy prayer ascended high 

Thralldom's chains would cease to be- 
O Irish daughter, true and loyal ! 

The Dark Rose feels the loss of thee. 



I see thee now with tear-dimmed eyes, 
With smile of warmest sympathy 

Extolling Erin's virtues, and 

Declaring she would yet be free ; 



33 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



I know thy life was lived for her, 

Thy strength was spent to help her be 

Again as in her ancient days — 

The Dark Rose feels the loss of thee. 



The dear Dark Rose weeps sadly now — 

Thy soul has found Eternity — 
No more will dreary earth be cheered 

By thy rich laugh of Celtic glee ; 
No more will hearts find smile or tear 

Of thine, in deepest sympathy — 
O noblest type of womankind ! 

The Dark Rose feels the loss of thee. 

Dark Rose — Ireland. 



THOUGHTS OF JUXE 39 



A Star of First Magnitude 

Just as a star 
That shines out 'mid the myriads on High, 

Of magnitude the first — 
The far transcendant glory of the sky ! 

So Uke a star, 
Whose task is to dispel the gloom of night, 

Of magnitude the first, 
That adds to lesser orbs its lucid light ! 

O wondrous star, 
Sent here to earth to shine divinely fair, 

Of magnitude the first, 
Dispelling gloom of misery and of care ! 

Shine brilliant Star 
Today in lustre in God's blessed dome. 

In magnitude the first ! 
With saints and angels Ught our Heavenly Home! 



40 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Wafted 



Out to the distant Farland, 
Where the Angels throng, 

Wafted beyond the Starland, 
Borne on the wings of song; 

Music of Hfe still ringing 

In your listening ear, 
Loved ones all vainly clinging — 

When you stole from us, Dear. 

Hardly we heard you going, 

As at Vesper chime. 
Zephyrs of eve soft blow^ing 

Flowers of bright Springtime, 

Forth to the lovely Farland 
Did your white soul soar. 

Now in the wondrous Starland 
Rests it for evermore. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 41 



Recollection 



I remember in the morning of our youth, O sister 

mine, 
How we trusted to your guidance, with your vision 

clear and fine. 
How you led the race with comrades, bade them follow 

in your way. 
Turned their failure into triumph as the night is turned 

to day. 

I remember how you ever gazed upon the mountain 

high, 
In your strong idealism penetrating Thought's deep 

sky. 
How your hand reached towards another when that 

other needed aid, 
And how oft your helping spirit has the rod of anguish 

stayed. 

I remember how you listened to the orphan's helpless 

cry, 
And anear the sick and life-worn bent to hear the 

feeble sigh, 
How you helped your fellow-workers strive each day 

to do the best, 
That at Eve, the blameless conscience would give to 

them sweeter rest. 



42 THOUGHTS OF JUXE 

I remember how you laughed aloud e'en when your 
heart was sore 

Giving- joy to those in sorrow, from your soul's abun- 
dant store, 

How you gave with heart and brain and hand to add 
to mortals' cheer. 

How all gloom was quick dispelled in hope, whenever 
you came near. 

I remember how despite your toil, no matter what 

your care. 
You would hurry to the call of home, to help your own 

to bear 
Trials and worries, great or small, ah, how you always 

came in haste, 
Turned to garnished fields of ripened grain a barren 

desert waste. 

I remember how we leaned on you when every sorrow- 
came; 

You were strong and brave and wonderful. Despair 
was not the same 

When courageous you arose to vanquish it by joy of 
soul, 

And you proved its real message was to lead us to the 
goal. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 43 



I remember O so many ways, so many virtues true 

That throughout the course of your brief Ufe were ever 
part of you. 

Love of sacred Freedom and of God; the cause of 
Erin's right; 

Hatred of mere love of worthless gold, and stern ambi- 
tion's might; 

Open generosity of heart to each and every one, 
Thus so many heads bowed low in grief when your 

life's time was done; 
Noble wish to spread the cause of good to all of 

humankind ; 
Tender strong desire to bring the light to spirits weak 

and bhnd ; 

Faithful love of friends; the love of home; the love of 

land of birth ; 
Love of our dear parents' land— the brightest jewel on 

the earth ; 
Strong devotion to the church ; the firm deep trust that 

some day Right 
Over all the world shall rule and drive dark Error 

far from sight. 

Many choicest gifts of God you had, O creature rich 
and rare! 

Wondrously bestowed, and meet with those of Angels 
to compare, 

Yet supreme one shines o'er all and brightens earth 
and Heaven Above, 

Gift Divine that rules the hearts of saints— the God- 
like gift of Love. 



44 THOrCHTS OF Ji'NE 

Take a Widened View 

So many lives are commonplace, so many people dwell, 
In sordid satisfaction, in a blameless self-content, 
So many seek the dross of life, nor ever strive to quell 
Insatiate desires for gain, on which they're ever bent. 



If such would look beyond themselves and take a 

widened view 
Of God's creation, what a world would open to their 

eyes! 
The myriads of mortals each with his own work to do, 
Each struggling bravely on the way that leads to 

Paradise. 



The old, the sick, the sorrow-worn as well as Love and 

Youth, 
The tired-hearted pushing on with carefree Strength 

and Joy. 
The ones who trip with easy feet in charge of Faith 

and Truth, 
The ones who find the loveliness of life has much alloy. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 45 



O selfish souls who see not far because your sight is 

dim 
With looking always at yourselves, and shutting out 

the view^ ; 
Look out upon all humankind, and raise your eyes to 

Him 
Who left a world of Glory to bring vision unto you. 



Go out and help a brother man, help give to lives some 

cheer. 
Remember that immortal souls will call to you some 

day; 
Will blame you in their helplessness for all your lack 

of cheer 
Which kept their path of life so dark, and led their 

feet astrav. 



Be of the few, the chosen few% who ever nobly strive 
To lift from hearts the misery and black despair of 

night. 
Help spread Joy's sunshine o'er the earth ; all error 

from it drive ; 
Make Love and Pity rule men's hearts, and banish Self 

and Might. 



46 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Ad 



lOS 

I found 'mong your treasures an old card today, 

The writing was by your dear hand, 
Addressed to our brother, now sleeping beneath 

The green of his OAvn native land. 

Long years he had traversed in regions afar, 
But always his heart sighed for home. 

You loved him the dearest and 'twas for your sake, 
He quenched his desire to roam. 

You wrote him the card that I wept o'er today, 

O many a one you had sent. 
So full of your wit and your bright breezy thoughts, 

That to him such happiness meant. 

But somehow this card, it was tender and sad, 

It ended by wishing farewell. 
Commending our brother to God's loving care. 

In language that echoed a knell. 

His eyes never gazed on your dear tender words. 

The card came but he was asleep. 
His soul had awakened on Life's far-off shore. 

His body in shimljcr la}^ deep. 

Some spirit, I think', must liave v/hispered to you. 

To send that last tender farewell. 
The card he ne'er savv but the thought reached his soul 

Methinks with the sad Passinij Bell. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 47 



The Reward 

Like to soldiers marching 

On the broad, long road, 
Carrying their burdens — 

Bracing 'neath the load — 
Seeing in the distance 

Glory's honored crown, 
Cheer upon the faces 

Chasing every frown — 

Following the leader — 

Answering his call — 
Ready at his summons, 

E'er to rise or fall — 
Walking in his footsteps. 

Armed well for the fray, 
Led through love to follow 

Where he points the way- 

So are Christian mortals, 

On this life's long road — 
Each one bears his burdens 

Bracing for the load ; 
Each sees in the distance 

Glory's radiant crown, 
Cheer upon the faces 

Chasino' everv frown ; 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



For they see the Leader. 

He has sent the call. 
Lovingly they follow 

Whate'er may befall. 
Seeking for His footsteps, 

Armed for any fray, 
Answering His summons 

Where He leads the way. 



Fall in ranks, O soldiers ! 

Answer to the call ; 
Christ the Leader beckons; 

Nought can you befall. 
He has bled to save you ; 

Do not fear the fray ; 
Seek the crown of Glory 

Where He points the vvin 



One I knew, a soldier. 

Fighting for the Right ; 
Leading while she followed, 

Merciful in might ; 
Visioning the Glory — 

Treading Life's Highway- 
Teaching souls to bravely 

March the Lord's Highway 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 49 

Eyes turned ever forward — 

Back braced for the load — 
Woes and cares of mortals 

On Life's dark High Road. 
Soldier, Christian, woman ! 

Lead us still, we pray, 
To Christ's Crown of Glory 

End of Life's Highway. 



50 - THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Thoughts of You 



In the laughing days of youth, when every heart was 
free, 

When the sun shone golden-bright and Earth sang 
melody, 

When the joys of life and love \vere near — within your 
grasp. 

And far-visioned you the door of Future would un- 
clasp. 

How you trod the daisied lanes, a laughter-loving 

child, 
Cheeks of rosy-red, and hair of glossy tangled wild. 
Eyes of azure, heaven-deep and full of mystery, 
Soul o'er-brimmed with wondrous thoughts, pent, 

striving to be free ! 

How you loved the dewy morn and sunset's golden 
glow; 

Loved the mid-day's blinding glare, and Nature's over- 
flow — 

Joys of Spring and Summertime — the carols of the 
birds, 

Rippling sounds of waters, thrilling thoughts too deep 
for words ! 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 51 



How your tripping- feet oft stayed beside the humble 

cot, 
Where the sick and sorrowful must bear in pain their 

lot! 
How you plucked the flowers wild that by the wayside 

grew, 
Giving them with flowers of love sprung from the 

heart of you ! 

How you grew in soul and heart with passing of the 

years, 
Shedding laughter all around, oft through the mists 

of tears ! 
How you added grace to life, and light to misery. 
Gave your strength to humankind, that souls might be 

more free ! 

How you worked so well and full that nought was left 

to do, 
So God's Angel pitying saw and softly came for you. 
Came for you in summertime of strength and joy and 

life, 
Took you to your just reward from out a world of 

strife ! 



52 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

You had done enough, he thought, your work it was 

complete, 
Time it was for you to know a rest all deep and sweet ; 
Heaven was made for such as you, and you were 

needed there ; 
God knows best ! He took you to His Home and 

loving care. 

God sends earthly sorrows but to give to us His grace, 
This I knew when last I looked upon your peaceful 

face — 
O the memory of that hour will ever fill my soul, 
Till in mercv I am called to God's Eternal Goal ! 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 53 



The Regions Fair 

Each heart has its own deep yearning; 

Each Hfe has its secret woe ; 
Each spirit is burdened to fullness 

As on through this world we go; 
Each face is a mask oft hiding 

With smiles a deep grim despair; 
Each life is a tired struggle 

For regions more fresh and fair. 

O souls that are weary waiting! 

Deep drenched in your own dark woe, 
Reach hands and help aid a brother 

Lest under the waves he go ; 
This thought will give strength to bear you 

Above your own dark despair; 
Through love and unselfish living 

You'll enter the regions fair. 

Give aid to your striving neighbor; 

Help lighten Humanity's woe ; 
Preach justice and right and loving 

As onward through life you go, 
Think high and live great in spirit 

And conquer sin's dark despair; 
Be nobly human to humans — 

Thus enter the regions fair. 



54 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Together 



Children three in the morning, 

Johnny and Ed and Jo — 
Phiying always together, 

Comrades where'er they go ; 
Johnny so wise and perfect, 

Ed with his golden heart, 
Jo with a thousand girlish ways 

Ail of her life a part. 

Always ever together 

Laughing in childish glee. 
Life's bright morning foretelling 

Closeness in time to be, 
Johnny the wondrous student, 

Ed with the love for all, 
Jo with the nature bright and strong 

Hearing the world's loud call. 

Parted long but forever 

Thinking of other days. 
Youth's bright morning and gladness. 

Childhood's alluring ways, 
Johnny and Ed far distant 

Into the far lands roam, 
Joe in devotion biding near 

Harking for call of home. 



THOUGHTS OF JCNE 



55 



Now together they slumber 

'Neath the green shady tree, 
Comrades true in God's morning 

As in the Used-to-be. 
Johnny with soul so gentle, 

Ed with the heart of gold, 
Jo with the Vision, seraph-clear— 

Bide close in God's blessed Fold 1 



56 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The Complete Life 

You tripped through life with flying feet, 

You never stopped to rest, 
You wasted not a moment as you sped. 
You sipped the honey luscious sweet, 

You found in earth the best, 
You followed joyous Fancy where she led. 



You plucked the roses as you went. 

You pushed the thorns aside. 
You cast the flowers to each waiting hand. 
Just like a spirit Heaven-sent, 

All full of joy you hied, 
A herald bright of love, through dreary land. 



Your life was full to brimming o'er 

With work for others done. 
With deeds of kindness scattered on the way. 
You rushed into the open door, 

Your waiting crown well won. 
You sought the fullness of Eternal Day. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 57 

Full rich in worth though brief your time, 

As many lives in one, 
Earth's pathway brightened as you passed along. 
You heard the bells of Heaven chime, 

For you had Life begun. 
In haste you joined the great Eternal throng. 

Now in the wondrous melody, 

Your voice rings loud and clear. 
Among the ranks with those who lead, you stand, 
With notes of soulful sympathy, 

As oft you've carolled here. 
You scatter rapture through God's Chosen Band. 



58 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



I Feel Thee Near 



I feel thee near. 
At early dawn, when Nature wakes from sleep ; 
When birds sing gladness, and when fledglings peep 
When Life looks up and faces a new day. 
And sun sends beams to brighten up the way. 

I feel thee near. 



I feel thee near. 
When noon-day glare is adding warmth to sky ; 
When flowers are brightest-hued and birds fly high 
When Day is fullest in her youth and strength, 
And e'er the shadows straighten into length. 

I feel thee near. 



I feel thee near, 
When eve's bright glows of sunset slow decline ; 
And rays soft blending stretch out thin and fine ; 
AVhen Nature murmurs with a drowsy tone, 
And tired souls feel need of rest alone. 

I feel thee near. 



I feel thee near. 
Ah most I feel thy presence in the night. 
When God shuts out the scenes of day so bright; 
Then thoughts of thee consume my riven soul. 
Ah then I feel thee near. I seek thy goal. 

Then thou art near. 



THOUGHTS OF JVXE 59 



The Disguise 



Since days of Dawn, have danced in glee 
O'er Erin's vales, the fairies gay, 

To keep from hearts, dark misery, 
And fill them with the joy of day; 

And thus the Celt is ever glad 

E'en though deep sorrows he must bear 
Thus oft when most his soul is sad. 

His face a smile of cheer may wear. 

I like to think that long ago 

In days when Tara's Harp was strung, 
You danced, a fairy, to and fro — 

Or ancient lays you may have sung. 

I like to think the joy you knew — 

That made your spirit gladness filled — 

Came down through ages. Dear, w^ith you, 
And many sore-tried souls has thrilled. 

Somehow a nature broad and free 
And half sublime as was your own. 

Must e'er in immortality 

Dw^ell scintillant a-near the Throne. 



60 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Somehow it must have been a ray 

Sent from that Throne, to carry light 

To darkened earth, and help the day 
Of love, to be more clear and bright. 

And so I think in strange disguise 
Of fairy nymph, you tripped along 

The treasured isle, that gently lies 
By ocean, rocked with tender song. 

I like to think your feet have trod 

The ancient vales of wondrous green ; 

Have kissed the verdant sacred sod — 
That you in truth, the land have seen. 

Whence sprang the noble lofty race 

For which your heart beat loud and true ; 

I like to think some spirit place 

Near Ireland, Dear, was kept for you. 



THOUGHTS OF JUSE 61 



Celts, Be Free 

"Live not in chains, 
Sons of the Brave! 
Stand straight and noble, 
Tall and free! 
Look Heavenward, 
Not towards the grave, 
If men with spirits 
You would be ! 

"Break iron greed 
And captive's shame! 
Crush low the tyrant 
Who enthralls! 
Be master men 
Of honored name! 
Fight well, for Justice 
Loudly calls!" 

Thus sang a soul 

In Celtic pride 

To Ireland's children, 

Sorrow filled ; 

Brave One we stand 

Your bier beside ; 

Your words with courage 

Hearts have thrilled. 



62j THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



We pledge our word 
Above you now 
For Erin's Freedom 
E'er to strive. 
We'll win or die. 
This is our vow — 
To break each curse'd 
Cruel gyve. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 63 



True Wealth 



True wealth lies not in spacious lands, 
In stately halls or golden store, 
In costly gems from distant strands, 
In wells of deep abundant pour. 

There is a greater wealth than these 
In beauties lent to sight and ear; 
In songs of birds, in noble trees, 
In crystal waters rippling near ; 

In murmurs of the wondrous wild, 
In waving grass or field of grain, 
In prattle of a little child, 
In sighing winds that sweep the plain 

In broad expanse of firmament. 
Low" bending soft with lavish blue, 
In brilliant rainbow, wherein blent 
Are found Creation's every hue; 

Yet these are riches that must find 
The soul through an external gate. 
The truest wealth of purest kind 
Lies in the heart bv chance of fate. 



64 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The love of friends, the ties of home, 
The memories of childhood's days, 
The power, in image far to roam 
Through Fancy's ever-pleasant ways. 

The thoughts, perhaps once culled from books. 

Now part of the interior life ; 

The touch of hands, the loving looks 

That gave new strength through sorrow's strife. 

Blest is the soul who seeks within 
And finds Life's lasting jewels there — 
No worldly joys can e'er begin 
With such true treasures to compare ; 

Thrice-blest the soul who is content 
With happiness in little things ; 
Of simple notes all perfect blent 
Is the refrain High Heaven sings. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 65 



Saddened Hearts 



So many hearts were saddened, when the tidings 

spread abroad, 
That you they loved would speak with them no more. 
That ne'er again would you be seen in haunts of 

yester-year ; 
Your bark had anchored on a far-off shore. 



Regretful notes of sympathy were sent from o'er the 

land. 
From many who on earth are known to fame, 
But just as welcome were the tones of sorrow from 

the poor, 
Who wept in sadness as they spoke your name. 



You loved the great of earth because they answered 

Pleasure's call, 
In them you found diversion from life's toil ; 
But deepest thoughts within your soul were given to 

the poor; 
You loved to pour on trouble pity's oiL 

So many hearts now sadly miss your friendly look and 

tone. 
Your helpful words of cheer in days so dark. 
You carried Hfe and happiness. E'en when you bade 

adieu, 
You threw a greeting from life's parting bark. 



66 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

Your memory lives to guide us on. It lives a hundred 

fold; 
For now we dwell on each inspiring way. 
'Tis only in the night time when they're absent, that 

we know 
Tlie truest beauties of the wondrous day. 

So now that you are gone for aye, we know that every 

deed, 
And smile and look and thought you held, surpassed 

earth's common kind. 
The richness of your nature will be long missed from 

the world. 
So many saddened hearts you've left behind! 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 67 



In Life's Garden 



Life is a garden, 

Full of flowers, 

Of varied kind and hue ; 

Some meant to bloom in 

Shady bowers. 

Their special task to do. 



Some on the High-road 

In the sun, 

Must go their destined way; 

Facing the breezes. 

Until done 

Their course, in Time's brief day. 

Sometimes a flower 

Much more rare 

Than others seen around, 

Casts forth a radiance 

Gorgeous fair. 

In brilliance ever found : 



Holds all the beauty 

Cheer and love 

Of all the varied hues, 

As 'twere that Heaven, 

From Above 

On it shed holv dews. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Such in life's garden 

Were you, Dear, 

All full of joy and light; 

Ever transcending 

Rare and clear 

All others fair and bright; 

On you did Heaven 

Bending low 

Send special gifts of grace. 

Now in God's garden, 

Well we know 

You've found a special place. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 69 



The Two Roses 

You wrote about the dear dark rose, 

The rose woe-gloomed on ocean breast, 

The rose storm-tossed that never knew, 
'Neath foot of tyrant, peace nor rest; 

You wrote of Erin, dear dark rose, 

Most sad and lone e'er earth has seen, 

You loved her well. Your heart beat loud 
In pity for Dark Rosaleen. 

You were yourself a dear bright rose 

A rose full-blown, and breathing wealth 

Of joy and beauty in your rare 
Exuberance of lovely health; 

Your nature was as free and rare, 
As any rose earth e'er has seen ; 

You gave to life the warmth of June — 
You were a rare bright Rosaleen. 

Two roses that in hope and love 

Afar apart, could never be — 
The bright one twined about the dark 

In true soul-raptured sympathy; 

Two roses breathing Celtic love — 

The rarest ever earth has seen; 
Joy-filled in Heaven, the bright rose prays 
For sorrow-worn Dark Rosaleen. 



Tf JO' 'CUTS or JUXE 



Dear One 



Dear One ! 
When last I looked upon your face 

In life, 
I thought not that Death's cold embrace, 

Would hold you, Dear, 

Forever near — 

From strife. 

Dear One! 
Your happy face was gladness filled 

That day. 
With health and energy you thrilled. 

Death seemed as star 

From you so far 

Away. 

Dear One ! 
On call I stood your bed beside 

One night. 
My heart-strings torn and sorrow-tried. 

I felt the rod 

You with your God 

In light. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Dear One ! 
Your spirit lingers now I know 

To cheer, 
About me wheresoe'er I go, 

And comforts me. 

You seem to be 

So near. 

Dear One ! 
Again we'll meet when life is past 

In love; 
Be happy in God's regions vast; 

The lesson know 

Of Earth's dark woe — 

Above. 



72 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



I Wonder Why 



I wonder why this cross was sent to me; 
I wonder why my life must ever be 

So lonely, Dear, for you; 
And why my soul must e'er with fancies teem, 
And why I feel just late awaked from dream, 

That seems half dream, yet true. 



I wonder why you had no time to say 

One little word ere you sought Heaven's Day, 

To tell your wish or thought; 
Perhaps 'twas thus God spared you from the pain 
Of knowing that you'd see us ne'er again 

'Til our earth's tasks were wrought. 



I wonder why such sorrow must befall 

Hearts pierced as ours with Death's late triple call, 

Why you too had to die ; 
Some day I'll see beyond the clouds, the sun, 
I'll understand when Hfe for me is done. 

No more I'll wonder why. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 73 

The Deepest Sorrow 

One has many sorrows 
In this vale of tears — 
Sorrows e'er increasing 
With the passing years ; 
Some are shared in friendship, 
Or at love's behest, 
Yet One guards in secret 
E'er the deepest, best. 

In the farthest chamber 
Of the shadowed soul. 
Hidden from all loved ones 
Who would fain condole. 
Lies the treasured sorrow, 
E'er of life a part. 
With a sacred yearning 
Filling deep the heart. 

Lesser trials and troubles 

One is glad to share 

With the friends who'd gladly 

All our burdens bear; 

But the deepest sorrow 

Is best borne alone. 

Loving consolations 

Make the soul more lone. 



74 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Seems as One is jealous 
Of this greatest grief 
And seeks not in mortals 
To find woe's relief. 
Seems this deepest sorrow 
As a chastening rod 
In sad love inflicted 
By the choice of God. 



THOUGHTS OP JL'NE 75 



In The Dusk 

I'm lonely this even, the dusk is upon me. 
Afar in the distance I hear the sweet strain 
Of music, enthralling the hearts of glad hearers, 
My soul unresponsive, feels only dull pain. 

The cadence I hear is not happy nor joyful ; 
Its notes touch my soul with a weird minor tone. 
The listeners find glee Avhere I find nought but sad- 
ness ; 
They're happy while I am in sorrow alone. 

The dusk seems to add to the sorrow upon me. 
The notes waken echoes of dull, deep despair. 
One comfort in times of distress can uplift me — 
'Tis placing- my burdens on wings of sweet prayer. 

For music, and g'loaming, and all tones of nature, 
Though beautiful, are but the offerings of earth ; 
While prayer is of spirit and rests in High Heaven. 
In heavenly favors is measured its worth. 

So though in the gloaming my soul is deep riven, 
And though unresponsive, I hear notes of joy, 
My spirit communing in prayer, seeks a haven, 
And I can find gladness with never alloy. 

Then I can find peace, the sweet peace of the angels, 
And I can find rest in the smile of God's love ; 
And thou. Dear, wilt come, and thy spirit wilt touch me 
When prayer wafts my message to thee, far Above. 



76 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Looking On 



In a world of work and strife and planning, 
In a world of many things to do, 
Some must bear the burdens for the others — 
Greater souls are these, more strong and true. 

Others stand and gaze upon the battle. 
Merely looking on upon the fray, 
Marking time, but never making headway, 
Finding no advance at close of day. 

Looking on life but never acting, 
Doing nought but filling up a space ; 
Helping not themselves nor helping others, 
Living life with laggard's slothful pace. 

Looking on, but useless in their looking; 
Dense and dull, they know not how to live; 
Selfish for themselves, no thought for others ; 
Giving not, and having nought to give. 

Looking on, they live perhaps the longer, 
Marked in years and months, but oh ! in deeds, 
Short their lives and useless, as in gardens 
Are the undesired choking weeds. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 11 

Lookers on ! Arise and gird your armor. 
Jump into the middle of the fray. 
Count your scars with joy as honor's tokens 
When you rest at close of Life's brief day. 

Soldiers be upon the field of action. 
Life's a battle hotly fought — soon o'er. 
Doers be. In work well wrought, win laurels, 
Value less your lives, and deeds far more. 



78 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



My Memory 



I have with me 

A memory, 

That e'er will be my guiding star- 

Thy face so bright 

Haloed in light; 

It smiles on me from realms afar. 



Where'er I go 

In joy or woe 

Whate'er betide in future years, 

An angel guide 

I'll feel beside ; 

'Tis thou — to banish all my fears. 



In all my deeds, 

In all my needs, 

Thou'lt succor me from harm, I know. 

As now I feel 

Thy help so real 

Sent from on Hig-h to me below. 



Sometimes it seems 

My thoughts are dreams ; 

While dreams seem strange reality 

That thou art near 

And living, Dear, 

That soon again thy face I'll see. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 79 

But then comes woe, 

For deep I know 

That earth will never know thee more ; 

That thou hast left 

My heart bereft 

And sought in bliss a far-off shore. 

Yet still with me 

Is m.emory — 

A boon to souls deep crushed with woe. 

It brings thee near. 

I feel thee, Dear. 

Thy presence bides with me, I know. 



80 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

A Friend of Irish Freedom 

Old Erin dear has many friends 
In her deep struggle to be free, 

Yet never one more true to her, 

More soul-filled of her, Dear, than thee. 

From early childhood you were e'er 

A rare staunch Celt in thought and heart, 

And though you never saw the isle, 
It was of your whole life, a part. 

Our father was a true-born Celt 
Who prided in his ancient race. 

And well he might — its glory lent 
That noble look to his dear face ; 

For he was gentle, kind and loyal ; 

In firm affection always true; 
Broad-minded, generous and good 

And pity-moved as, Dear, were you. 

I grieve to think you had to go 
Before the loved old land is free, 

But maybe when that time shall come 
The tidings will be borne to thee. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 81 



I know 'twould make you smile with joy — 
A joy surpassing Heaven's own, 

If through the courts of God, the news 
Of Ireland's freedom, should be known ; 

And yet I know your smile would melt 

Into a tear of sympathy, 
And your great soul would throb, to know 

How much the sacrifice must be ; 

And how you'd humbly step aside, 

Great soul ! in deep humility, 
To give your place to those who bled 

And died to set Old Ireland free. 



82 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The Weavers 

Mortals are tapestries daily designing, 
Steadily, surely, on Life's wondrous loom. 
Years short or long they are given for labor. 
Weaving in sunbeams and shadows of gloom. 

Sorrows and gladness, ambitions and failures, 
Deeds good and evil, great pleasures and woe, 
Sins and contrition, neglects and firm strivings. 
Wondrous ideals, thoughts sordid and low — 

These are the warp and the woof of the workers, 
Yet they work blindly, no pattern they sec. 
Futile the labor for all is haphazard. 
No one can tell what the finish will be. 

Would thy look up through the stars of the Heavens, 
Patterns all perfectly finished are there. 
Woven by saints in their daily endeavors, 
Full of rich threads of deeds noble and rare. 

Wonderful patterns, hung forth in the Heavens. 
Mortals may study and copy with care ; 
Yet they strive not for designs of the seraphs. 
Sordid, they turn from the beauty so fair. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 83 

Yet when the years of their labor is over, 
Justly, the Master will ask them to show 
What they have woven, and how they have striven 
All that is best in Life's weaving to know. 

They will be judged for neglect of the lessons 
Which through His saints He has given in love. 
Only designs that are made from His teachings 
Will He accept to adorn Realms Above. 



84 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



They Are Not Gone 

They are not gone 
Our dearly loved, 
Whom last we saw 

'Neath coffin lid ; 
They bide a-near 
To comfort us — 
Their forms, by veil 

Celestial hid. 

They are not gone. 
Though on our ears 
The tones we love 

Will sound no more. 
In moments best, 
Our souls can hear 
The echoes from 

A distant shore. 

They are not gone, 
Though touch of hand 
Will thrill us ne'er 

With new delight; 
Some day they'll reach 
Their arms towards us 
And bear us forth 

To realms so bright. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 85 

They are not gone 
Though crushed our hearts 
With loneliness 

For some dear face; 
They feel for us 
And guard on high 
For us, some day, 

A special place. 

They are not gone 
The dearly loved; 
Their forms are 'neath 

The coffin hid; 
Their spirits dwell 
A-near us e'er 
By veil of bliss 

Celestial hid. 



86 TIlOl'GUrS OF Jl'NE 



The Pathway Through Erin 

On earth is a marvelous pathway ; it runs through a 

sanctified land. 
'Tis bordered by triple-leaved shamrocks ; watched o'er 

by a blessed fairy band. 
'Tis trodden by feet of great heroes, by martyrs, by 

patriots brave. 
And full it is e'er to o'ercrowding. Through Erin it 

leads to the grave. 

From dungeons the travelers come pouring, from 

hovels of want and of care ; 
White-faced with the signs of starvation ; keen-eyed 

with the courage that's rare. 
Through ages they've followed this pathway, their one 

noble purpose to save 
The ancient ideal of Freedom. Through Erin it leads 

to the grave. 

Afar from the land of the pathway, Avherever an exile 
may roam, 

Great souls have sighed deep to tread o'er it — the path- 
way of their early home. 

Great hearts have beat loud with desire to die with the 
loyal and brave, 

That suffer and bleed on the pathway, through Erin, 
that leads to the erave. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 87 

O Sister! How often IVe heard you, as feeling deep 

lit your loved face, 
Speak warm of the virtues of Ireland — the gifts of our 

wonderful race. 
How much of your strength and your pity, to Erin in 

thralldom, you gave ! 
No truer e'er stood on the pathway, through Erin, that 

leads to the grave. 

You loved the dear race of our fathers. Your heart 

ached with pity and grief. 
But faith in the Right kept your Hope high, and gave 

your sad spirit relief. 
You trusted that God in His mercy will reach out old 

Erin to save. 
And comfort the souls on the pathway, through Erin, 

that leads to the grave. 

You prayed for the welfare of Ireland. You spoke on 

your life's dying day. 
Of sunshine of freedom for Erin — spoke cheerfully, 

that was your way. 
Your soul, I believe, in its passage, winged far o'er the 

blue ocean wave. 
And traversed the great path of heroes, from Erin, 

that leads to the grave. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Vision of Beyond 

Oh what a world of wonder, 
Some day will God unfold 
To eyes deep filled with yearning ! 
What store of wealth untold 
Will greet the souls of mortals 
Who patiently have borne 
The crosses laid upon them! 
What joy to hearts forlorn! 

The beauty of the Heavens 
Will dazzle searching eyes — 
The scintillating splendor 
Of Holy Paradise — 
The glories of the angels — 
The seraphs, full of grace — 
And far outvying cherubs — 
Or saints — the Holy Face. 

Like radiant sun in brilliance, 
Through the celestial sphere. 
Its beams light souls of beings 
And banish gloom and fear; 
Forgotten are life's crosses, 
In one supreme content 
When ended is life's bondage 
And free the shackles rent. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The dark days of the earthland 
But make the brightness more 
Of that true home awaiting 
On Heaven's golden shore; 
The sorrows and the crosses 
We find so hard to bear, 
In God's Land are but blessings 
To hold us in His care. 



90 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



The Poem of Life 

Many a beautiful lyric 
Made by the poet's skill ; 
Written in measures harmonic, 
Doth one with pleasure thrill; 

Yet earth's most wonderful poems 
Were not the work of man ; 
Rythmic the beats of Creation 
Since ever time began. 

Ever in frictionless motion 
Roll the celestial spheres. 
Governed by laws of perfection, 
Down through the countless years. 

Daily the winds and the rivers 
Sing in their rythmic runes — 
Mountains and valleys and prairies 
Chorus in nature's tunes. 

Grandest of all of earth's poems 
Beating out joy and strife, 
Thoughts of the Master revealing, 
Is the great poem — Life. 



TH or GUTS OP JCXE 91 



Pulsing with feeling in cadence, 
Rhyming by sacred laws, 
Perfect in scheme and in setting 
Without discordant flaws. 

How the Great Poet has loved it ! 
For 'tis His Masterpiece. 
O'er it each day that He ponders, 
Pride in it doth increase. 

Life is a beautiful poem 

Made to a perfect plan, 

Written for God's dearest creatures, 

Given in love to man. 



92 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The Gleaners 

The Master's fields are full of golden gleanings — 
Good thoughts, and kindly words and gentle deeds ; 
They lie in full abundance, waiting workers, 
To willing take them for the Master's needs. 

The faithful labor in the fields of harvest, 
All patiently from dawn to sunset's glow; 
At night the loving Master will reward them, 
According to their merit — well, they know. 

The careless ones tread down the golden gleanings, 
Nor bend their backs to pick the offerings fair. 
Let others gather from the fullsome harvest! 
They would, themselves the dreary struggle spare. 

But at the close of day, the gentle Master 

Will call to workers in the harvest field, 

"Come hither! come and show to Me your gleanings! 

What did your day of labor for Me yield ?" 

Then will the faithful ones, with meek submission 
Place lowly, golden sheaves at His dear feet. 
While He will point the way to bliss eternal — 
A recompense for them, of joy complete. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 93 

But with a look of sad reproach, accusing, 
He'll turn from those who idled through life's day. 
"You must atone," He'll say in tender pity, 
"Before your feet can tread the Heavenly way. 

"You must atone in fire of deep contrition. 
You must now expiate your lack, by prayer. 
Must purify your souls from sin's condition. 
Before a crown of Glory you may wear." 



94 THurCHTS OF Il'XE 



Death and Life 

There is a portal, through which souls 
Pass into bliss, from care and sin, 
When earthly trials are well o'er 
And joy in Heaven doth begin. 

On hither side the portal, lies 
A land of grave uncertainty ; 
Where happiness is gloomed by woe — 
Where mortals struggle to be free. 

On yonder side, celestial light 

In realms that are most wondrous fair ; 

The beauty of Eternal Dawn, 

In glorious hues, all rich and rare ; 

The joy of angels and of saints — 
Companionship in happiness — 
The sweetest ties of earth enhanced 
By heavenl}^ love our souls to bless. 

We cannot pass the portal till 
On earth we've drawn our latest breath, 
Ah, then our friends look sadly down 
And say we've gone from life to death. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 95 



Yet would it not be truer speech 
And with more perfect wisdom fraught, 
Were they to say, "By death on earth 
This soul a life in Heaven has bought." 

For sin, and gloom and deadly woe 
That to this dreary earth belong 
Are attributes of Death, while life, 
Is full of joy and love and song. 

Thus life as understood by man 
Is DEATH, and Death is life, I know. 
Though mortals weep, God smiles when souls 
Pass to Life's joys from Death's dark woe. 



96 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



As Years Roll By 



As years roll by, 

We're conscious of the nothingness of earthly joys. 

That life has meaning deep, sincere. 

That pleasures are but baubles like to childish toys. 

As years roll by, 

We cling far less to things material of earth. 

We learn to place our thoughts above. 

To love the treasures rich and rare of higher worth. 

As years roll by. 

We draw more closely to the ones we've known the 
best. 

Our own are nearest to our hearts. 

We think upon the scenes our earliest days have blest. 

As years roll by. 

We feel the partings from our loved ones more and 
more. 

Dark sorrow fills our souls with woe, 

And, tired of earth, we long to find life's journey o'er. 

As years roll by. 

We look beyond this world to feel the joys of old. 

Our souls uplifted search on High, 

And find in realms of light rare happiness untold. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 97 



As years roll by, 

We know that those we love are safe in God's own 

care. 
We learn His plans. We see His Hand. 
Some day we'll meet the ones we love in Regions fair. 

As years roll by, 

We see our crosses as but blessings in disguise, 

Sent by a Father in His love, 

To strengthen us, and upward force our souls to rise. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Dreams 



I have loved the day with all its brilliance, 
Emblem of true life and work it seems ; 
But e'en more I love the gentle night-time: 
For it brings to me my time for dreams. 

When I wake, the world demands my efforts. 
Duty calls, and thoughts must quick obey. 
Dreams are of the night, for peace and slumber, 
Action ever must fill up the day. 

I must set you from my mind in coldness, 
So at times it seemeth unto me ; 
Yet my heart is longing for you ever, 
And my thoughts impatient to be free. 

Night, dear Night, with silence deep enfolding. 
Lets my spirit roam where'er it will. 
I can then shut out a world of duty ; 
Dreams of thee can then my spirit fill. 

When 1 lie and gaze upon the darkness, 
I can live again the days of yore. 
When I sleep, my spirit can roam with you ; 
I can live in joy with you once more. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 99 

Then forgive my thoughtlessness in day-time ; 

'Tis not coldness, howsoe'er it seems. 

I can consecrate my holiest moments 

To you — moments spent with you in dreams. 

I can be with you with nought intruding. 
I can give the best that in me lies 
To you, Dear, and ever shall it be so. 
Till I dream for aye beyond the skies. 



100 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 



Gethsemane 



A lonely figure knelt in desolation, 

His saddened brow low bent in wan despair, 

Repeating words in deep humiliation, 

The echoes of His soul's consuming prayer. 

He begged for mercy on all helpless sinners, 
For clemency towards all mankind. "Alas !" 
He cried, "Dear Father, pity man's remission. 
And, if Thy will, from Me this chaHce pass." 

No word He spoke, reproving or complaining. 
No thought but to accept the Father's will. 
No question asked that sought for an explaining, 
Of reason, why such grief His soul should fill. 

But low he bowed in humble resignation, 
To lift a fallen race to meet its God. 
His to accept without an explanation 
The suffering and the scourging of the rod. 

Yet He Himself was One who was all Holy ; 
Then should we mortals not a lesson learn? 
He left a throne and chose a life most lowly, 
To help mankind a home in Heaven earn. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 101 



He suffered grief and woe and accusations, 
From those for whom the sacrifice was made. 
By cold ingratitude and profanations 
Against His Name, was His great love repaid. 

How willingly should mortals carry crosses! 
How patiently should bear each darksome grief! 
Since He the Lord who died for man's redemption, 
Awaits in Heaven — to grant our souls relief. 



102 THOUGHTS OF JUNE 

The Farewell 

Peacefully into the bark you stepped, 
Just at eve with the dying sun ; 
Waters were hushed, scarcely zephyr blown, 
BirdHngs drowsed, for the day was done. 

Smiling you waved us a last good-bye, 
Spoke no word of complaint or woe. 
Life had been lived and your task fulfilled, 
Death the Angel, bade you to go. 

Happy the smile that you wore that eve 
As your bark launched to gentle breeze; 
White were the sails that bore you away 
O'er the mystical seraph seas. 

Voyager fair! You must safely land. 
God was watching and guiding you. 
You had served Him and He could not fail. 
He is ever a Pilot true. 



THOUGHTS OF JUNE 103 



In Memoriam 



Though the soul is crushed with sorrow, 
In the darkness of grief's night 
To uplift the heart, there shineth 
From on High a Beacon Light; 
'Tis the smile of One so tender, 
Bidding us accept the rod. 
She so dear to us was needed 
To adorn the realms of God. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

June 11 

Her Mission 14 

The Long Highway 16 

The Great Sorrow 18 

The Voyage 20 

"Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" 22 

Take a Neighbor's Hand 24 

Two Kinds of Mortals 26 

Words of Cheer 28 

The Dark Day 29 

Change 30 

The Wonderful City 32 

The Lesson of Faith 34 

The Choice Child 36 

The Dark Rose Feels the Loss of Thee 37 

A Star of First Magnitude 39 

Wafted 40 

Recollection 41 

Take a Widened View 44 

Adios 46 

The Reward 47 

Thoughts of You 50 

The Regions Fair 53 

Together 54 

The Complete Life 56 

I Feel Thee Near 58 

The Disguise 59 

Celts, Be Free 61 

True Wealth 63 

Saddened Hearts 65 

In Life's Garden 67 

The Two Roses 69 

Dear One! 70 

I Wonder Why 72 

The Deepest Sorrow 73 

In the Dusk 75 

Looking On 76 

My Memory 78 

A Friend of Irish Freedom 80 

The Weavers 82 

They Are Not Gone 84 

The Pathway Through Erin 86 

The Vision of Beyond 88 

The Poem of Life 90 

The Gleaners 92 

Death and Life. 94 

As Years Roll By 90 

Dreams 98 

Gethsemane 100 

The Farewell 102 

In Memoriam 103 



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